### George Washington: A National Hero in Resisting Foreign Influence

#### Early Life and Military Career

Born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Virginia, George Washington was an American political leader, military general, statesman, and Founding Father who served as the first President of the United States from 1789 to 1797. Prior to his presidency, Washington commanded the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783), and he presided at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, which established the new federal government.

#### Leadership in the American Revolutionary War

Washington's leadership during the American Revolutionary War was integral in resisting British influence in the colonies. His strategic acumen, resilience, and ability to maintain the morale of his troops were pivotal. Key battles, such as the crossing of the Delaware River and the subsequent victory at Trenton in 1776, highlighted Washington’s tactical brilliance and boosted the American cause drastically.

#### Political Career and Presidency

Washington's presidency was marked by several policies and decisions that demonstrated his staunch opposition to foreign interference in the nascent nation's affairs. His administration adopted a foreign policy that strove to prevent the United States from becoming entangled in European conflicts. The Proclamation of Neutrality issued in 1793 during the French Revolutionary Wars underscored his viewpoint, which intended to keep the United States neutral amidst European conflicts, thereby avoiding undue influence from foreign powers.

#### The Farewell Address

George Washington's Farewell Address in 1796 is perhaps one of his most lasting contributions to the American ethos regarding foreign policy. In this address, he advised the young nation to avoid permanent alliances with foreign countries and to rely instead on temporary alliances for emergencies. Washington emphasized that the United States should foster good relations with all nations but should not become overly involved in European affairs. This principle guided American foreign policy for many years and established the foundation for what later became the Monroe Doctrine.

#### Legacy

Washington's legacy in resisting foreign influence is foundational for understanding American foreign policy's early development. His determination to ensure that the United States could grow on its own terms without the meddling of European powers has been lauded as prophetic. His leadership style, characterized by prudence and a commitment to American sovereignty, cemented his status as a national hero.

George Washington died on December 14, 1799, at his Mount Vernon estate in Virginia. Today, he is remembered not only as a central figure in the birth of the United States but also as a symbol of resistance against foreign domination and interference. His contributions continue to be studied and revered, impacting not only the field of American history but also the ideals of leadership and integrity in public service.

#### Commemoration

Washington's resistance to foreign influence and his role as a national hero are commemorated in numerous ways across the United States. The nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., bears his name, as does the state of Washington in the Pacific Northwest — the only U.S. state named after a president. His visage is immortalized on Mount Rushmore, on the one-dollar bill, and the quarter coin, constantly reminding Americans of his pivotal role in the establishment of an independent and self-sustaining nation. His estate, Mount Vernon, is preserved as a national historic landmark, attracting thousands of visitors yearly who wish to learn more about his life and legacy.

Through these commemorations and the continued study of his life and policies, George Washington remains a towering figure in American history and a perpetual symbol of resistance against foreign influence on national sovereignty.